Topper Fred (72): “Sit Still? That's not for me.”

Not quite finished working yet

Fred is 72 years old and could have been retired a long time ago. But sit still? That's simply not for him. “I still like to work. You remain active among people and you have the feeling that you are contributing something.”

Spinning music, making an impact

And he certainly contributes that. Fred works as an instrument delivery person through BergWerk Cultural coast. Together with three other colleagues, he drives past primary schools in Harderwijk, Ermelo and Nunspeet, among others, to bring and retrieve musical instruments. Primary schools can borrow musical instruments from Cultuurkust and receive music lessons from music teachers. During the Learning Orchestra, the children practice on an instrument for a certain period of time, at the end they conclude with a concert for all parents. Then Fred takes action. “We ensure that everything comes neatly back to the next place. You help with that whole process. That makes it a nice job.”

The boxes he transports are not light, but he does not turn his hand around for that. “You have to be fit to move the heavy boxes and fortunately there is an elevator in the work bus. You always work as a couple for safety reasons, so that also makes the heavy work more pleasant.”

Growing up with the mentality of tackling

Hard work has been an option for Fred since he was young. He worked for many years at the Defense Department as a catering manager and location manager and also trained people there. Later he was active in special education. “I'm old school,” he says. “Just tackle it and keep going. I always did that.”

Sports as a common thread

You also see that mentality outside of work. Sports play a major role in his life. He has been active since he was six: from marathon running and judo to tennis and fitness. He still works at the gym several times a week. “Sports is my lust and my life. It keeps me strong physically and mentally. You need that too.”

From a full agenda to silence

When Fred reached retirement age, there seemed to be little going on at first. “You'll have a great time in the summer. You have your rhythm, your hobbies, you go out to exercise.”

But when winter came, he noticed the difference. “You are used to so many social contacts from work and everything around it. And suddenly you're more at home. Then it becomes a lot quieter.”

Getting back to work via BergWerk

For Fred that was the time to take action. He wanted to be among people again and do something useful. Through BergWerk he not only found work, but also an organization that really understands what people like him need. “From the first contact it felt good,” he says. “Everything was clearly explained: how the contract works, what you can expect. No hassle, just clear and honest.”

What really makes the difference for Fred is the personal approach. “They take the time for you and treat you with respect. You notice that they have experience with people who start over or want to get back to work after retirement.” He has also been spoken about the guidance: “There is good communication and you can always go somewhere. That gives a safe feeling.”

He is particularly complimentary about the people behind BergWerk. “They are friendly, committed and really think along with you. You don't see that everywhere. Many organizations can still learn something from this.”

Highly recommended for young and old

It is clear to Fred: working after retirement can be very valuable. “You remain active, you maintain social contacts and you still contribute something. That's important.”

He recommends it to everyone. “Especially if you are still fit, just do it.” And he regularly passes on that advice. “In the gym, or just around me. I often send people to BergWerk. But I also say to younger people: visit BergWerk.”

Fred shows: retirement means no stopping. It could actually be the beginning of something new!